A vast country best known for its history and traditions, Poland offers travelers a wide variety of landscapes. Between its green plains dotted with lakes and forests, you can find yourself among the Tatra mountains or in its cities renowned for their rich heritage. The importance of religious festivals and the hospitality of the local population add to the discovery of this endearing country. Explore the many facets of Poland with our selection of must-sees.
1- Warsaw, the capital
Warsaw, or Warszawa by its Polish name, lies at the crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe. Despite its painful history, Poland's capital has never ceased to reinvent itself. Today, skyscrapers stand side by side with Baroque and Gothic edifices and grand Soviet buildings. Among this forward-looking architectural mosaic , plunge into the past by visiting its historic buildings before enjoying the clubs and bars that make up the city's nightlife.
The article to read: discover the must-sees in Warsaw in our dedicated article.
Good to know: travel with peace of mind by taking out travel insurance before you leave.
2- Remembrance at Auschwitz-Birkenau
The infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps are one of the main memorial sites of the Second World War and the Final Solution. Created by the Nazi regime, these concentration and extermination camps saw the mass deportation of Jewish populations from 1940 onwards. In all, over 1.1 million people were killed or exterminated, including 1 million Jewish deportees. The other victims were mainly non-Jewish Poles, Gypsies, Soviet prisoners of war and other people seen as "threats" by Nazi Germany, such as representatives of the LGBTQ+ community or people with disabilities.
Read this article to prepare for your visit.
3- Visit Krakow
The former capital of Poland, Krakow boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its historic center miraculously escaped the ravages of the Second World War. Take the Royal Way before visiting Wawel Cathedral, Poland's most important church. To make sure you don't miss out on any of the city's major monuments, take a look at our article on must-see sights.
And don't forget to visit Krakow in winter, when it hosts one of Europe's most beautiful Christmas markets.
4- Wrocław
The country's third-largest city, Wrocław is one of Poland's most attractive. Almost entirely destroyed in the aftermath of the Second World War, it is bursting with architectural treasures and culture. Packed with sculptures and criss-crossed by street art, it is Poland's most creative city. This forward-looking university town is constantly renewing itself, taking its cue from its Western neighbors.
5- Białowieża National Park
The Białowieża Nature Park covers Europe's largest primeval lowland forest and is home to the continent's last bison. To protect this incredible natural setting, UNESCO has included it on its World Heritage List. The park is also a World Biosphere Reserve. Strictly supervised, the park is only accessible to visitors when accompanied by an official guide. You can enjoy beautiful excursions here by bike or on foot, mainly starting from the village of Białowieża.
6- Discover Poland's culinary specialties
Among the country's culinary specialties, you can't miss the famous pierogis. These little ravioli are usually stuffed with potato, cheese or minced meat, but you can also find a sweet version filled with jam. Emblematic of Polish cuisine, kotlet schabowy is a breaded pork cutlet, usually accompanied by vegetables, potatoes and braised red cabbage. For dessert, don't hesitate to try sernik, a kind of creamy cheesecake with a very delicate taste.
7- Gdańsk, the Baltic pearl
In the north of the country, Gdańsk richly deserves its nickname of "Pearl of the Baltic". This large metropolis is particularly attractive for its historic port, a true testament to the city's glorious past. Take a stroll along the waterfront , admiring the quay and the medieval crane, before heading off to visit the Basilica of Our Lady, one of Poland's largest churches. Don't miss the Cour d'Arthus, a magnificent, colorful Gothic market hall.
8- Tatra National Park
On the border between Poland and Slovakia, the Tatras are the highest massif in the Carpathian Mountains. Here you'll find some of the most popular tourist destinations, including Zakopane, one of the country's most famous resorts. As you move further afield, however, you'll notice that this national park is very well preserved. The wilderness welcomes its few inhabitants in traditional wooden dwellings. The many hiking trails that criss-cross the region will take you through a multitude of mountain landscapes dotted with crystal-clear lakes.
Related article: Take your curiosity to the Gryfino forest, one of the world's most mysterious forests.
9- Visit Malbork Castle
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Malbork Castle is a must-see in the Pomerania region. Built in the 13th century, it was once the headquarters of the knight-monks of the Teutonic Order. Partially destroyed over the years, it has now been restored according to medieval models. It houses museums, a church and a chapel, as well as living quarters that were once occupied.
Petit Futé tip: to make the most of your visit, plan a full day and arrive early.
10- What to do in Poland Go to Sopot
Born at the end of the 20th century from a simple fishing village, Sopot is today a renowned seaside resort, considered the jewel of the Polish Baltic coast. The town is centered around its pretty pier, which will transport you straight back to the 1920s. In fact, it's the longest pier in Europe, protruding 511m into the sea. You'll find plenty of shops and period villas all around.
Good to know : don't hesitate to visit at sunrise or sunset- the view is well worth the detour.
11- Discover the Wieliczka salt mines
Although no longer mined, the Wieliczka-Bochnia salt deposit has been in existence since the 13th century. The white gold extracted was one of the main sources of wealth for the Polish kings. When visiting the mine, a wooden staircase takes you down to a depth of 64 meters. Please note that you can only visit the first three levels of the mine, situated between 64 and 135m. In the many rooms linked by almost 3 kilometers of tunnels, you'll see sculptures, shafts and artificial lakes.
What to book : get ahead of the game by reserving your ticket to visit the mine.
12- Słowiński National Park
Located on the coastline, the Słowiński National Park attracts visitors with its large, extensive dunes facing the Baltic Sea. This huge protected area also includes the territory behind the dunes, with Gardno and Łebsko lakes in particular. There are numerous hiking trails leading through the park's forests and wetlands. To reach the park, head for the village of Rąbka.
13- Visit Książ Castle
Built in the 13th century, Książ Castle is today the largest castle in the Silesian region. During the Second World War, it was inhabited by Adolf Hitler, who stripped it of all its treasures. After the fall of the Nazi regime, the Soviets turned it into barracks, before it was renovated and turned into a museum. Today, it is one of Poland's most important historical sites.
Discover also the most popular activities in Poland:
Can you visit Poland by train?
Travelers wishing to rethink their mode of travel and improve their carbon footprint will be delighted to know thatit is possible to visit Poland by train from Paris.
- To do so, first take a train to Berlin. Since December 2024, a TGV Paris-Berlin train has provided a seamless connection. A cheaper alternative is to take an overnight train, or one with more connections.
- From the German capital, you can reach Wroclaw in 4 hours by Eurocity train. If you want to reach Warsaw, the journey from Berlin will take just one hour longer.
Once you're in Poland, you can easily visit the country by train. Poland's dense and well-developed rail network covers a large part of the country.
Admittedly, train travel can be more expensive than air travel, but Poland is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe. This mode of transport is ideal for practicing slow travel and enjoying the places you visit while limiting your impact on the planet.
Tempted by our selection? Don't hesitate to opt for the train and book your tickets now to take advantage of the best fares.
